The same chain and clock spring problems
The 2013 Tiguan has nearly the same high complaint rate as 2012.
Updated November 2026 · based on 140 owner complaints and 3 recalls
467 1.7x the Tiguan average
3 free to fix at a dealer
Every Tiguan year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2013 Tiguan
Top problems and what they cost
Clock spring
Air bag light and steering wheel button faults.
Fix: Clock spring $300 to $600
Air bags
Timing chain
Check engine light and chain noise.
Fix: Timing chain $1,500 to $2,500
Engine
Recalls
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk ...
A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan
- Check the air bag light and horn.The air bag light should go out a few seconds after start. If it stays on, the air bags may not work in a crash. On some cars a worn clock spring also kills the horn.Owners filed 49 complaints about air bag light and clock spring on the 2013 Tiguan, one of the worst years for it.
- Listen for chain rattle at cold start.Knocking, ticking or rattling from the engine, especially when cold, can mean worn bearings, lifters or a stretched timing chain. These are engine-out repairs costing thousands.30 of the 140 owner complaints about the 2013 Tiguan involve the engine (21%).
Questions
Is the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
The same chain and clock spring problems. The 2013 Tiguan has nearly the same high complaint rate as 2012.
How many recalls does the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan have?
3 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan problems?
Clock spring; Timing chain.
Crash rating shown for the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD Later Release. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.